Judge Awards Honors to Six Vermont Quilters
WOODSTOCK, VERMONT — The vibrant tradition of American quilting is alive and well in the mountains and valleys of Vermont. Now open at Billings Farm & Museum, A Vermont Quilt Sampler invites visitors to experience the depth and diversity of Vermont’s quilting community today through a spectacular display of quilts.
Beyond beautiful textiles, each quilt is a work of art layered with meaning, connection, and emotion. From first-time quilters to seasoned experts, from traditional patterns to contemporary designs, the exhibition offers a true “sampler” of styles, techniques, and voices.
“We’re excited to present a true sampler, one that tells stories ranging from funny to heartfelt and even tragic,” said Sherlock Terry, Curatorial and Exhibits Manager at Billings Farm & Museum. “It’s inspiring to see how today’s quilters blend fiber arts with traditional techniques in fresh, new ways. Sharing this work within such a supportive quilting community makes it even more meaningful.”
An opening reception held at Billings Farm celebrated this creative community and recognized outstanding work in several categories. Quilt judge Pam Weeks, Curator at the New England Quilt Museum, selected the following award winners:
Best Hand Quilting
“Sprinkle Quilt” by Kate Salesin, West Lebanon, NH
After years of knitting and sewing, Salesin brought her sense of color and craft to a small quilt with a playful and profound impact. Describing her first-ever quilt, she said she “hand quilted with the sock yarn and let the bold sprinkles of colors play over the top.”
Best Machine Quilting
“Jewel Quilt” by Jane Rippe, Enfield, NH
This vibrant quilt radiates warmth and intricate detail. The sunny colors catch your eye, while the meticulous stitching draws you into each section. “There was a tremendous amount of measuring, marking, and stitching to create a completely reversible quilt,” said Rippe.
Best Original Design
“Oh, Canada” by Linda Diak, Chester, VT
Inspired by Neil Young’s lyrics in Helpless, “big birds flying across the skies, throwing shadows on our eyes,” Diak’s quilt blends serenity and tension. The elegant flight of geese and soft colors contrast with chaotic, swirling maple leaves. “By the time I put this piece on the longarm, Canada—our neighbor, our friend—was under senseless attack by our government,” she said.
Judge’s Choice
“Putting Back the Pieces” by KZ Stevens, Bennington, VT
The story behind this quilt is one of heartbreak, rebuilding, and hope. Stitching each piece of naturally dyed fabric became part of the healing process. “Putting together the smallest pieces, as I was putting together the pieces of the next chapter of my life, was incredibly healing,” Stevens said.
Judge’s Choice
“Trinkets” by Norma Ippolito, Chester, VT
“A trinket is a small item of little worth. Its value comes from what it means and the memories it holds,” said Ippolito. Drawing from 50 years of collecting miniature treasure, her quilt radiates color, whimsy, and nostalgia.
Judge’s Choice
“Dahlia 1” by Janet Block, Rutland, VT
“I am a quilter and a gardener,” said Block. “Practicing both hobbies requires hope and vision.” Inspired by the first dahlia she ever grew, her quilt celebrates the beauty and complexity of nature in bloom.
A Vermont Quilt Sampler is on view daily through September 1, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM at Billings Farm & Museum. This year’s exhibition features 54 quilts created by artists from 36 towns across Vermont. From traditional patterns and classic techniques to bold, unexpected, and contemporary designs, this exhibition offers a vibrant celebration of Vermont’s quilting artistry today.
Interpretive panels and gallery labels offer insight into the stories behind each piece, while hands-on activities guide visitors through the quilting process. On select weekends, local quilting guilds will demonstrate techniques and share their knowledge with visitors. Guests are also invited to vote for their favorite quilt for the People’s Choice Award.
The exhibition is included with admission.
For more information, visit: https://billingsfarm.org/quilt-exhibition/
